Standouts at ECNL New Jersey Showcase: Defenders

Players Development Academy hosted a girls ECNL showcase over Memorial Day Weekend in Somerset, N.J. I was able to watch several games at the Morningside Farm and PDA Complex on the Saturday. Here’s a look at some of the defenders that stood out to me at the event. <h2>U17</h2> [player_tooltip player_id="44575" first="Faith" last="Leyba"], Defender, Utah Royals U17 Faith was very active on the back line as a center back against FC Bucks when they were pushing forward to try and find a way back into the game. It wasn’t always easy defending on a waterlogged pitch, but Faith got the job done. [caption id="attachment_46973" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-46973 size-medium" src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/06/6N4A9318-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> [player_tooltip player_id="21485" first="Kearstyn" last="Gladden"][/caption][player_tooltip player_id="21485" first="Kearstyn" last="Gladden"], Defender, United Futbol Academy U17 Gladden’s pace both in going forward and in recovery stood out as well as her strength fighting off attackers in a 2-1 win for United Futbol over Match Fit Academy. [player_tooltip player_id="18709" first="Claire" last="Stephens"], Defender, Utah Royals U17 Stephens, a left back, deserves a shout out for just how busy she was trying to hold down a clean sheet for the Royals in their 2-0 win over FC Bucks. She did well to clear her lines on multiple occasions but most importantly did what needed to be done; she repeatedly did the safe and right thing, which isn’t always easy when under pressure on a wet surface. [player_tooltip player_id="19305" first="Danielle" last="Lynch"], Defender, LAFC So Cal U17 Lynch was on the ball plenty in the game against Minnesota Thunder and showed a lot of poise cutting down chances for Minnesota and starting the attack the other way. She also picked her moments well to push forward. [player_tooltip player_id="18897" first="Elaheh" last="Sims"], Defender, De Anza Force U17 It wasn’t the best of days for the Force in their 3-0 loss to the Surf but I noticed Sims for her calm presence and ability to lead on the back line. She also covered a lot of ground, looked to pass through the lines and took several restarts in the game. <h2>U16</h2> [player_tooltip player_id="27270" first="Sydnee" last="Smith"], Defender, Challenge SC U16 Playing in a messy game against Heat FC that Challenge SC won 5-2, Smith impressed with her recovery speed and her ability to push forward into the attack on the left flank. [player_tooltip player_id="21003" first="Annarose" last="Wheatle"], Defender, Tampa Bay United U16 Wheatle showed a combination of quickness and strength playing as a wingback for Tampa Bay United in their 2-1 win over Slammers FC. <h2>U15</h2> [caption id="attachment_46971" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/06/6N4A9432-scaled-crop-1805x1185-1654526766.jpg"><img class="wp-image-46971 size-medium" src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/06/6N4A9432-scaled-crop-1805x1185-1654526766-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="24866" first="Keira" last="Taylor"][/caption][player_tooltip player_id="24866" first="Keira" last="Taylor"], Defender, NC Courage U15 Taylor helped anchor a Courage back line in the game I saw them play against Penn Fusion that was under a great deal of pressure, but her positioning and play blocking shots and deny chances helped keep Penn Fusion off the scoresheet. [player_tooltip player_id="25812" first="Helena" last="Walker"], Defender, Pittsburgh Riverhounds U15 Walker stood out to me both in defending from the right back position and going forward, combining with the Riverhounds several attacking weapons in the final third. Elizabeth Semenac, Defender, Cleveland Force U15 Semenac anchored a Force back line that had plenty to do against a tough attacking Wilmington Hammerheads team. Her calmness clearing her lines, playing the ball out of danger and leading the defense was on display in an exciting 2-2 draw.